Thought Lateral » action

#75 You know it’s obvious, but yet you don’t choose it. Why?

Denver — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 15:35:45 +0000

There is a choice we need to make, and we know what we should do. We know. We know we know, but do we do?

Often not. We have self limiting actions that set ourselves up for failure.

We know we know, and we know the likely outcome of our actions.

Before making a self limiting choice it helps to remind ourselves of the positive outcome and also that, in the words of that glib ad, “you’re worth it”. Each correct choice strengthens our positive decision making abilities, our self-discipline.

#71 Helping by first aiding yourself

Denver — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 14:24:43 +0000

Fear of the unknown is what frightens us.

Not knowing what to do in an emergency situation can be debilitating. Learning first aid gives reassurance during times of high stress. Knowing a set of actions, and steps, to take to alleviate the situation and to bring about a positive conclusion to the events is a great aid – First aid.

#57 Why it is sometimes difficult to relax, and how to solve it.

Denver — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 20:51:58 +0000

Take a deep breath and relax your shoulders. Chances are they were slightly tensed.
It’s not a conscious tightening of the shoulders or furrowing of the brow, but when realising our state it is quite noticeable.

Relax.
How?Goals. Set them.

Having an end objective ensures you are able to enjoy the Now in a much more relaxed manner, and not be feeling stressed out in apprehension of the next crisis to react to. Goals also mean you are the instigator of change in your life thus are expecting change when it occurs. This also induces a more relaxed state.

Often our tensed state is not a result of lots of things happening in our lives, but the result of a lack of a definite plan of action to orchestrate the events in an organized manner.

#48 How sitting up ten times daily can grow a tower of health

Denver — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 09:00:52 +0000

It may be difficult to build a tower at once. Though to build one over two years is a realistic objective.

Building increased fitness each and every day by a modest amount of exercise is a simple process.

You don’t have the time to go to the gym/workout/exercise/whatever-else? I have found that, if I replace the time spent thinking about this with action, I can actually do a modest amount of exercise . The effect of the exercise rapidly accumulates over a number of days.

Why make the investment in exercise? The return on the investment is quicker recovery time if injured, and better ability to deal with the stresses of life.

The stomach muscles are responsible for many body movements and by doing at least ten sit-ups per day I enable the tower to grow daily.

After getting up in the morning I’ve only nine more left to do.

#16 Use the Getting Things Done system to lower your stress

Denver — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 15:49:51 +0000

Getting Things Done (GTD) is a pretty well known system for improving your life productivity created by David Allen.
It details a method of collecting all your inputs in one system. By inputs I mean any input into your life schedule such as events, things to do, or material possesions. All these things and more make up “stuff” that you effectively and efficiently manage using the GTD system.

Gone are the days of not knowing where an item is, even if it lies in a swollen inbox.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed with life’s inputs the GTD system is sure to assist in helping you regain control and lower your stress.

#9 How keeping in touch with older family members can save your life

Denver — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 21:14:43 +0000

For the reasons described in the article of phoning a loved one [lifehack #8] the same would apply to maintaining contact with family. Perhaps even more so, since the health of particularly older family members are a glimpse into the future of your own health issues that are yet to emerge on life’s horizon.

Don’t be so afraid to pick up the phone and call when you think they’ll only talking about their aches, pains, & doctor visits. It can prove to be a warning to yourself to avoid actions today that would lead to such problems in future. Also, it may arm you with key information that could quite literally save your life in the years to come. Keeping in contact can hold great benefits for both of you.

What will the future hold? Think about it.

Denver — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 00:05:49 +0000

Time has three dimensions, the past, the present, and the future.
The first of these, our past, is recorded in videos, photographs, print, inscriptions, and memory.
The second, the present, is a constantly flowing flux that is being played out to, and absorbed by, our senses.
What about the third, the future? What does the future hold? What will the world look like in say five, or ten years time?

If we could take a mental snapshot of humanity, a photo of our minds’ thoughts we’d see what is yet to unfold. For the thoughts of our mind now will become actions of the future.

For the thoughts of our mind now will become actions of the future.

Wide angle lens anyone? Just don’t think about cheese when the ‘photo’ is taken!